Mary Allen
Your cat sleeps a lot and you’re worried if it might be sick? Don’t panic, velvet paws sleep about 15 hours a day and therefore significantly more than humans – they need the rest to process what they have experienced and to stay healthy. However, if your kitty’s need for rest is getting the upper hand, you should observe this closely and do something if necessary.
Cats need almost as much sleep as dogs like to withdraw and should then be left alone by us. But even if sleep is vital – if your fur nose is almost constantly dozing and is hardly active or possibly showing symptoms of illness, it is too much of a good thing.
Cat Suddenly Sleeps a Lot: Are Other Symptoms Involved?
If your cat regularly sleeps longer than the normal 15 hours, you should check for other symptoms that could indicate illness. Just like humans and other creatures, cats’ immune systems are working overtime when they’re asleep, so some sick cats end up sleeping more.
For example, if your cat is sleeping an unusual amount, not eating or drinking, vomiting, or has diarrhea, you should take her to the vet. Even if your velvet paw suddenly sleeps a lot, at the same time seems generally limp, develops a fever or swelling, you should consult the veterinarian.
In this case, there are various diseases that can be responsible for your cat’s sudden increased tiredness, such as kidney or liver disease, diabetes, anemia, or various types of cancer.
Boredom Can Make Cats Tired
But even if your cat is hardly active without any of these symptoms and only lies around, you should still consult your veterinarian.
In this case, the tiredness may be because your kitty is underutilized and therefore bored. So make sure your cat always has enough to do. Activity, such as regular play or the opportunity to go outside, is very important for a happy cat life and for healthy sleep.
Heat Can Affect the Need for Sleep
Illness or boredom is not always to blame if your cat suddenly sleeps a lot and, for example, temporarily does not eat or only eats a little. Even an unfamiliar environment, for example after moving, or very high temperatures in summer can ensure that your cat loses its appetite and at the same time has an increased need for rest.
Young & Old Cats Sleep a Lot
The age of your cat can also play a role if the velvet paw (felt) sleeps an above-average amount. Just like seniors or sick cats, young cats need a lot of sleep. You don’t have to worry so quickly here. While kittens are often particularly active when they are awake, they also need a lot of rest periods to do so. Older cats tend to be more laid-back by nature than younger cats, so they’re also more likely to retreat to snooze.